A Critical Analysis of Infrastructure Facilities for Students of Madaris in Bahawalnagar District

Abstract

This study addresses the significant gap in understanding the state of infrastructure facilities in Madaris (religious schools) in the Bahawalnagar District of Pakistan. While the importance of educational infrastructure in shaping student outcomes is well established, research focusing specifically on Madaris is limited. This study aims to assess the current infrastructure, identify challenges faced by these institutions, examine the impact of infrastructure on academic performance and personality development, and propose strategies for improvement. Using a quantitative approach, the study targeted 10 purposively selected Madaris, including 8 male and 2 female institutions providing residential facilities and Dars-e-Nizami courses. Using pre-tested questionnaires, a sample of one hundred students (eighty male, twenty female) were chosen and the researcher gathered data personally via face-to--face interaction. SPSS was used for the data analysis applying descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results exposed notable shortcomings in categories including ventilation, sanitation, energy, and security in terms of infrastructure. The learning environment was shown to be hampered by poor access to basic facilities including drinking water and insufficient classroom space. Furthermore, influencing students' academic experiences were the absence of contemporary teaching resources including internet connection and AV aids. One critical challenge was also found to be security systems. Safety measures, student protection, and strengthening basic infrastructure such as classroom facilities were identified as major gaps in school supervision and need immediate reforms of infrastructure classical upgrades. The findings suggest that the personalization and general educational experiences of the students attending Madaris Centres are highly dependent on the investments made on these areas, which suggests that the politicians need to focus on infrastructural development of these institutions first.

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Authors & Affiliations

• Muhammad Rafiq-uz-Zaman — Department of Education, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan